Anaerobic O-demethylation of phenylmethylethers

Technical Report · Mon Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1990

OSTI ID:6982323

Frazer, A C; Young, L Y

Anaerobic O-demethylation (AOD) of phenylmethylethers is a process of both basic and applied significance. The aryl-O-methyl ethers are abundant in natural products, particularly as components of lignin. They are present as methoxylated lignin monomers in anaerobic environments and can be completely degraded there by mixed microbial populations. AOD is an essential early step in this process, and it is also a key reaction in the utilization of the O-methyl substituent as a C-one substrate by acetogens. An understanding of the AOD reaction mechanism might suggest new ways in which chemicals could be derived from lignocellulosic materials. The biochemical mechanism for the anaerobic cleavage of the aryl-O-methyl ether bond is an intriguing, but relatively unexplored process. In contrast to aerobic O-demethylating enzymes, AOD appears to involve methyl group transfer. Thus, novel biochemical information on an important biotransformation reaction will be gained from the research proposed. Recently, we have shown that AOD activity is inducible and have developed an assay for detecting AOD activity in cell-free extracts of Acetobacterium woodii. AOD activity is stimulated in vitro by the addition of ATP (1mM) and pyruvate (30 mM), the K{sub M} for vanillate being 0.4 mM. In collaboration with protein purification experts, we proposed to purify the AOD enzyme and characterize the protein(s) and the enzymatic reaction involved. 8 figs., 5 tabs.

• Research Organization: New York Univ. Medical Center, NY (USA). Microbiology Dept.
• Sponsoring Organization: DOE/ER
• DOE Contract Number: FG02-88ER13924
• OSTI ID: 6982323
• Report Number(s): DOE/ER/13924-3; ON: DE90015934
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

09 BIOMASS FUELS
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
METHANE
BIOSYNTHESIS
ANAEROBIC CONDITIONS
EXTRACTION
FRACTIONATION
METHANOTROPHIC BACTERIA
MICROORGANISMS
PROGRESS REPORT
ALKANES
BACTERIA
DOCUMENT TYPES
HYDROCARBONS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SYNTHESIS
090900* - Biomass Fuels- Processing- (1990-)
550700 - Microbiology